Inspiring Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has announced two new funding opportunities aimed at supporting children, families and young people across Scotland. Local groups, charities, schools and community organisations are encouraged to explore and apply.
£3 Million Bright Start Breakfasts Fund Now Open
A new £3 million fund has been launched to expand access to breakfast clubs for primary school children across Scotland. Delivered by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Bright Start Breakfasts Fund aims to support children with healthy, nutritious breakfasts before the school day begins, while also offering supervised early drop-off options to help parents work or study.
Currently, nearly half of primary and special schools in Scotland offer breakfast clubs. This fund will support both the expansion of existing clubs and the creation of new ones for the 2025/26 academic year, with a particular focus on supporting families on the lowest incomes or those most at risk of living in poverty.
A wide range of organisations are eligible to apply, including:
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Primary schools
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Local authorities
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Third sector organisations
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Registered childcare and activity providers
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Parent or volunteer groups
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Childminding services
The fund recognises the varied ways in which breakfast provision is delivered across Scotland and aims to be inclusive in its approach.
Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 2 June 2025.
Full guidance and application details can be found on the Inspiring Scotland website.
New CashBack for Communities Funding Announced
The Scottish Government has also announced a new phase of its CashBack for Communities programme, with a major increase in available funding. The next funding round will open on Thursday 12 June 2025, with up to £26 million available from April 2026 to March 2029.
CashBack for Communities reinvests money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act to support projects that help young people make positive choices and reduce their risk of involvement in antisocial behaviour, offending, or reoffending.
The funding is open to organisations working with young people and communities across Scotland, and aims to provide meaningful opportunities for personal development, engagement and support.
Webinars are available to guide applicants through the process:
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Tuesday 20 May, 3–4pm – Register now
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Wednesday 28 May, 10–11am – Register now
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Tuesday 3 June, 6–7pm – Register now
For the latest updates and full application details, visit the CashBack for Communities website.
Community organisations, youth workers, schools and local groups are encouraged to share these opportunities widely and consider applying. These funds represent significant investment in the wellbeing and future of Scotland’s children and young people.
